Innovative Design Director with in-depth understanding of all aspects of retailing and direct experience in product development, supply chain, merchandising, marketing, retail operations and multi-channel for international brands, including Miss Selfridge, Etam, BHS, Jon Adam, Marks and Spencer, Accessorize, Tesco and Debenhams, and mostly recently with the launch of Jasper Conran London. Extensive experience creating new design strategies encompassing product design and development, launch, market penetration, segmentation and brand management. Specialist areas include: Womenswear, Accessories, Gifting, Kidswear, Swim & Beachwear, Nightwear & Lingerie.
Perm contract (July 2020 - present) Leading on the launch of Jasper Conran London. Building the foundations of a start up fashion brand focusing on the strategic development of the brand selling channels, distribution and production. Creating a team across design and merchandising. Responsible for the direction of design and product development, sourcing and buying. Creative brand management, overseeing rebrand, web build, digital marketing and wholesale strategies. Running photoshoots for both campaign, E-commerce and moving imagery. Managing product manufacturing from sample development and production through to delivery and distribution. Engaged wholesale partners John Lewis, Next and Freemans. Launched AW21 Handbags, SS22 Dresses and Handbags, Bedding and Fragrance with further categories in the planning.
• Responsible for product design & development of £300m own buy division • Built team of 27 designers across footwear, accessories, swim, lingerie & StyleLAB • Driving strategy, innovation and brand development • Collaborative working relationships with designers such as Jasper Conran, Julien Mcdonald, Matthew Williamson, John Rocha, Henry Holland, Ted Baker and Jenny Packham
Design Manager over accessories, kids and jewellery
ACCESSORIES LINGERIE AND ESSENTIALS, DIRECT CE/UK REPORTING INTO GROUP COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR JASON TARRY (February 2012 – August 2014) •Responsible for combined UK and CE sales across Ladieswear, F&A and Essentials, online and stores approx. £700 million •Sales Ladieswear growth 2011 vs. 2012 +143%, Online sales 2014 +60% vs. LY. A/W 14 +15% vs. LY •Managing and building a team of 30 freelance and full time designers, managing career progression and design specific training •Responsible for seasonal trend, quick response catwalk developments colour palettes, fabric and print direction, catwalk edits and trade show reports and competition analysis •Cascaded the strategy throughout the business and partnered with internal and external stakeholders to develop marketing campaigns, fashion shows and online and press advertising
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF ALL WOMEN'S FOOTWEAR, ACCESSORIES, BAGS AND JEWELLERY (May 2008 – February 2012) •Accountable for footwear which alone was a £156m business in 2009/2010, No. 1 market share on jewellery •Managed the transition from full service vendor to direct design •Refined the handwriting for M&S brands Autograph, Indigo, Limited and Per Una as well as driving core M&S Woman brand
HEAD OF DESIGN (Feb 1995 – Oct 1997) THE FASHION SERVICE, LONDON SW11 (NOW RELOCATED TO NEW YORK) CREATIVE DIRECTOR (Sep 1989 – Feb 1994)
(Feb 1994 – Feb 1995) TWO PEOPLE, ITALY (LOUISE & TIZZANO MAZZILLI) DESIGNER (COLLEGE PLACEMENT) (Feb 1989 – May 1989)